Mechanism to increase the efficiency of engines



May 30, 1.944. 1. H. TRAHIN 2,350,203

' MECHANISM TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF ENGINES Filed July 22, 1942 2 sheets-sheet 1 I J. H. TRAHIN May 30, 1944.

MECHANISM TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF ENGINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F'iled July `22, 1942 Patented May 30, 1944 MECHANISM TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF ENGINES .lohn Henry rlilrahin, Beaumont, Tex.

Application July 22, 1942, Serial No. 451,907

Claims.

This invention relates to a mechanism to increase the eiciency of an engine, and it is primarily an object of the invention to provide a mechanism of this kind wherein the desired result is obtained by true circular movements, with the elimination of any eccentric movement.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mechanism of this kind including a cross-head provided with a rotatable member revolving about a true center, together with a pitman operatively connected with said rotatable member at a point eccentric to its center and with a crankshaft, together with means coasting with said rotatable member and operating upon reciprocation of the crosshead to effect rotation of the rotatable member to increase the pitman thrust without increasing the stroke of the operating piston or, in other words, without increasing the capacity of the cylinder in which said piston operates.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a mechanism of this kind including a crosshead carrying a rotatable member with which a pitman is eccentrically connected, said pitman `being also operatively connected with the crankshaft, together with means including a rod -operating upon reciprocation of the crosshead to effect rotation of the rotatable member of the crosshead and wherein means are provided to prevent dead centering of such rod when the crosshead is at the limit of its movementY in either direction, and it is a further object of the invention to provide a structure wherein the means for preventing dead centering of the rod is made effective during the period of movement of the crankshaft when the crosshead is at the limit of its movement in either direction.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of this kind employed in connection with a crosshead, a crankshaft and a pitman operatively connecting the crosshead and crankshaft, and wherein the crosshead pin operatively connecting the pitman to the crosshead is set eccentrically from the center of torque and whereby the movement of said crosshead pin coordinates with the movement of the crankshaft and the crosshead to produce an increased power thrust and power application to the shaft.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved mechanism to increase the efficiency of an engine whereby certain important advantages are attained, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

`In order that my invention may be better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view partly in section and partly in elevation illustrating a mechanism constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention, the lcrosshead ybeing at the center of its stroke, the line of rsection being substantially on the line I-.l of Figure 4.

Figure 2 is a view somewhat similar to Figure l, with the crosshead at' the limit of its inward stroke. f

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 withthe crosshead at the limit of its outward stroke.

Figure fl is a detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational View illustrating a further embodiment in connection with one of the details of the invention, and

Figure 6 is a sectional view'taken substantially on the line 6--6 of Figure 5.

The invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings is somewhat diagrammatically disclosed and the parts are not drawn to any particular scale but it is believed that the disclosure made by `the drawings 'is vsumcientto enable the invention to Ibe fully understood Vfrom the following description. j i

As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, my improved mechanism is employed inconnection with a vertical type of engine and B denotes a base having extending upwardly from its top head l the usual typefof guide members 2 for the crosshead H. 'The members 2 also provide a support for a conventional cylinder C in which operates in a well known manner a reciprocating piston P. As the valve mechanism for effecting the operation of the piston P forms no part of the present invention, a disclosure thereof is believed unnecessary; The piston P isoperatively connected in a conventional manner with the crosshead H by .the piston rod R.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the crosshead H is boit-like and has its lower face open, as is clearly illustrated in .Figure 4 of the drawings. Opposed sidewalls 3` of the head H are provided with the relatively'large circular openings 4 of desiredv radiusand which have a common axis. Snugly mounted within these .openings 4 but free for lrotation therein are the rotating members '5. VIt is believed to be apparent from the disclosure in the'` accompanying drawings that these members 5 rotate on a common axis or the axis common to the openings 3. These members 5 are connected by a crosshead,

or wrist, pin 6 eccentric to the axial centers a of the members 5.

operatively connected, as at 'I, with the intermediate portion of the crosshead, or wrist, pin 6 is the upper end portion of the pitman 8, the opposite end portion of which being operatively connected, as at 9, with the crank pin IU of the crank II rotating with the shaft I2. The length of this pitman 8 is such as to have the crank I I in upward vertical position when the crosshead H is at the top of its stroke and to have the crank I I in a downward vertical position when the crosshead H is at the bottom of its stroke.

Carried by the outer facesof the rotating members are the outstanding and radially directed arms I4, said arms being also in radial alignment with the crosshead pin 6 and extending outwardly beyond the members 5 at points thereof remote from the pin 6. Pivotally engaged, as at l 5, with the outer end portion of each of the arms I4 is an end portion of an elongated rod I6, The center c of the connection I5 is spaced from the center b of the crosshead pin 6 a distance equal to the length of the stroke of the crosshead H and, of course, of the piston P.

The lower endV portion of the rod I6 is freely mounted on the crankshaft. I2, whereby the rod I6 can' readily rock in a direction transverse to the shaft I2. The length of this rod I6 from the axial center d of the opening I'I through which the shaft I2 snugly extends and the center c of the connection I5 between the rod I6 and the arm I4 is such that when the crosshead H is at the top of its stroke the rod I6 will be substantially aligned with the then depending arm I4 or to have said arm I4 and rod I 6 substantially in parallelism when the head H is at the top of its stroke and also at the bottom of its stroke.

It is now the general practice to have the throw of the crankshaft one-half of the stroke of the crosshead but it is the particular purpose of the present invention to increase the throw of the crank without requiring any increase in the stroke of the crosshead and its operating piston. In the invention herein disclosed, this increase in the throwl of the crank will be coincident with the extent of offset of the centervb of the crosshead pin 6 withrrespect to the center a of each of the rotating members 5. In other words, if the throw of the crank is to be 50%, the distance between the centers a and b will be one-fourth the distance between thecenter points b and c. By this it is believed to be obvious that 4the extent of the offset of the center b of the crosshead pin 6 will be the same as the increase in the throw of the crank.

It is known thatV in connection with a reciprocating engine, the crankshaft has a slight independent rotation when the pistonr P and the crosshead H are at the top or bottom of their stroke. This independent rotation of the shaft I 2 and its crank I I is within a range of approximately six degrees to either side of the true dead center of the crank II. In Figure 2 the broken line e indicates said true dead center while the broken lines f indicate the angles at each side of said true dead center between which the crank I I has this independent movement.

It is important that this independent movement of the crank -II between these angles c be utilized to prevent true centering or alignment of a rod I6 and its associated arm I4 which would otherwise result in a buckling of the rod I6 or have other disastrous effects upon the proper running of the engine. The loweror pivoted end portion of each of the rods I6 is provided with a downwardly disposed extension or tail-piece I8 provided with a slot I9, the transverse center of which is radial to the center d of the opening I'I and the shaft I2. This slot I9 is of desired length and width and is equidistantly disposed beyond the opposite sides of the transverse center of the slot. Disposed through this slot I9 is a shaft herein disclosed as rotatably supported by suitably spaced arms 2| depending from the head of the base B. Fixed to this shaft 20 and positioned within the slot I9 is an eccentrically mounted disk 22 of a diameter equal to the space between the elongated straight side walls 23 of the slot I9.

When the crosshead H, together with the piston P, is at the top or bottom of its stroke, the

high point Hof the disk 22 is substantially in alignment with the true center line e, there being, however, a slight independent rotation of the disk 22 between the angles i at opposite sides of the true dead center line e when the crosshead H is at the top or bottom of its stroke. The limited independent movement of the crank II between the angle f will effect a unitary independent movement of the high point h between the disk 22 and the angles i which will result in the rocking of the rod I6 beyond the true dead center when the crosshead H is either at the top or bottom of its stroke, thus preventing the rod I6 and its associated arm I4 coming to such true dead center which would result in the buckling of the rod I6 or other injury to the engine.

It is also believed to be apparent from the foregoing that as the crosshead H reciprocates, the rod I6 will provide means for rotating the members 5 during the reciprocation of the crosshead 5 in such a manner as to so position the center b of the crosshead pin 6 to compensate for the increased throw of the crank II and thereby make it possible to obtain increased efliciency without increasing the stroke of the crosshead H and, of course, its operating piston P.

It is also to be particularly pointed out that when the crosshead H,v as illustrated in Figure 1, is at the center of its stroke, the arms I4, together with the crank I I, are at right angles to the path of reciprocation of the crosshead H .but with the arms I4 oppositely disposed with respect to the crank II. It is also to be noted that during the operation of the engine, the center point b travels in a true circle and that when the crosshead H is at the top of its stroke, the point b is uppermost and that when the crosshead H is at the bottom of its stroke the point b is lowermost. As hereinbefore stated, .the invention as hereinbefore disclosed is employed with a vertical type of engine. However, the invention can be employed with the same facility in connection with a horizontal type of engine and, therefore, in referring to the top of the stroke is to be included the equivalent of the crosshead being at the back end of its stroke and in referring to the crosshead being at the bottom of its stroke is to be included the equivalent of the crosshead being at the forward end of its stroke.

In the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the radial arm 25 carried by one of the rotatable members of the crosshead is provided at its outer end with a laterally extended pivot member 26 which is disposed through an opening 2'I provided in the upper or adjacent end portion of the rod 28 whichV operates similar to the rod I6 hereinbefore referred to. The. opening 21 is of a diameter materially in excess of the diameter of the pivot.

member-26. l

I In radial communication with the opening 21 at equidistantly spaced points therearound are the. grooves. 29 herein disclosed as formed ina face ofthe rod 281.` Mounted in these grooves 29 are the expansible members 30, herein disclosed as. coil springs, which .constantly urge the segmental plates 3| into close contact withthe pivot member 25. Under normal conditionsthe tension of the springs 30 is sufficient to maintain desired pivotal connection between the rod 28 and the. pivot member 2G. However, in the event of any abnormal stress or strain being imposed upon the rod 28 from any: cause during thel operation of the engine, therey will be suicient yielding movement allowed in this pivotal connection to eliminate any interferencev to the desired operation of the engine and also to eliminate injury to any of the parts. It is also to be particularly pointed. out that this pivotalconnection or mounting as illustratedin Figures 5 and 6 serves to compensate for unduevibration incident to the operation of theengine. Y f

Asis clearly illustrated in Figure 4 of` the drawings, `each of the shafts 2E! is driven from the adjacent shaft l2 by theco'nstantly meshing gears 3|, said gears being of the same ratio and operating to cause such shafts I2 and 20 to rotate at the same axial speed.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a mechanism to increase the efficiency of an engine constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adaptedV for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated.

What I claim is:

l. In an engine including a crank and areciprocating crosshead, the cr-ank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead;V a member rotatably carried by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the crank, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the rotary member of the crosshead at a point eccentric to the axial center of said rotating member, the extent of offset of the connection of the pitman with the rotary member with respect to the axial center of the rotary member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, and means for effecting a complete rotation of the rotary member during each stroke of the crosshead.

2. In an engine including a `crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a member rotatably carried by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the crank, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the rotary member of the crosshead at a point eccentric to the axial center of said rotating member, the extent of offset of the connection of the pitm-an with the rotary member with respect to the axial center of the rotary member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, and means for effecting a complete rotation of the rotary member during each stroke of the crosshead, the crank being at right angles to the path of travel of the crosshead when the crosshead is substantially at the center of its stroke.

3. In an engine including a crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of thecrosshead; a pitman, ymeans for connecting the pit-- man to the crank, and means for connectingthe. pitman to the crosshead to allow said-.connection to. rotate in a true circle upon reciprocation of the crosshead, said, connection'` turning 360 degrees upon each stroke Aof the cross.- head, the connection between the pitman and the crosshead being offsetfrom the center about. which .said connection travels a distance equalto the throw of the crank. in excess of one-half theA stroke of the crosshead.

4. In an engine including a shaft, having a crank anda reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a member rotatably carriedk by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connecting the pitman tothe crank, means for operatively connectingthe pitmanto the, rotary member ofthe crosshead at a point eccentric to the'axial center of said rotary member, the eX- tent of offset of the connection of the Apitman with the rotary' member with respect to the center of the rotary. member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, a rod, means forsupporting` the rod for rocking movement, and means for connecting the rod to the rotary memberr to effect a rcomplete rotation of the rotary member upon each stroke of the crosshead.

5. In an engine includingv av shaft having a crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a member rotatably carried' by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively.v connecting the pitman to the crank, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the rota-ry memberof the crosshead at a pointeccentric to. the axial center of said rotary member, the extent of offset ofthe connection of the .pitman with the rotary member with respect to the center of the rotary member beingy the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, a rod, means for supporting the rod for rocking movement, means for connecting the rod to the rotary member to effect a complete rotation of the rotary member upon each stroke of the crosshead, and means for rocking the rod beyond dead center during the period the crosshead is at the end of its stroke in either direction.

6. In an engine including a shaft having a crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a member rotatably carried by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the crank, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the rotary member of the crosshead at a point eccentric to the axial center of said rotarymember, the extent of offset of the connection of the pitman with the rotary member with respect to the center of the rotary member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, a rod, means for supporting the rod for rocking movement, means for connecting the rod to the rotary member to effect a complete rotation of 'the rotary member upon each stroke of the crosshead, and means operated by the shaft during the rotation of the shaft when the crosshead is at the end of its stroke in either direction for rocking the rod beyond dead center.

7. In an engine including a shaft having a crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a member rotatably carried by the .crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connectingthe pitman to the crank, means for. operatively connecting the pitman to the rotary member of the crosshead at a, point eccentric to the axial-center of said rotary member, the extent of offset of the connection of the pitman with the rotary member withrespect tothe center of the rotary member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, a rod, means for operatively and pivotally connecting-the rod with the rotary member'at a point spaced from the center of the rotary member a distance equal to the stroke of the crosshead, means for supporting the rod for rocking movement, and means for rocking the-rod beyond dead centerrduring the period the crosshead is at the end of its stroke in either direction.

8. In an engine including a shaft having a crank and a reciprocating crosshead, the crank having a throw greater than one-half the stroke of the crosshead; a, member rotatably carried by the crosshead, a pitman, means for operatively connecting the pitman to the crank, means for operatively connecting the pitman to' the rotary member of the crosshead at apoint eccentric to the axial center of said rotary member, the extent of offset of the connection of the pitman with the rotary member with respect to the center of the rotary member being the same as the increased length of the throw of the crank, a

rod, means for operativelyand pivotally connecting the rod with the rotary member at a point spaced from the center of the rotary membera distance equal to the stroke of the crosshead, means for supporting the rod for rocking movement, said rod being provided with a slot, a shaft disposed through the slot, a disk within the slot and eccentrically mounted on the second shaft, and a driving connection between the second shaft and rst shaft for driving the second shaft at the same axial speed as the rst shaft, said eccentric disk providing means to rock the rod beyond dead center during the period the cross- .mismosy head is tion.

9. An engine comprising a cylinder, a, piston reciprocable therein and having a pistonrod, a cross head with whichsaid rod is connected, a crank having a throw' greater than half the stroke ofthe piston andncross head, a connecting rod operatively coupled at one end with the crank, an operative coupling between the other end of the connecting rod and the cross head which is so constructed and arranged that the cross head andthe connecting rod may have a degree of relative movement corresponding to the difference between the stroke of the piston and the throw of the crank, and means for positively relatively moving the cross head and adjacent end of the connecting'rod to allow for the increased throw of the crank, during the inward and outward movements of the piston.

10. An .engine comprising a cylinder, a piston reciprocably positioned therein and having a piston rod, a cross head with which said rod is connected, a crank having a throw greater than half the stroke of the piston and cross head, a connecting rod operatively coupled at one end withv the crank, means connecting the other end of the connecting rod with the cross head by which the said other end of the connecting rod is mov'- able in a circle having its axis perpendicular to andfpassing through the axial center of the piston and piston rod, the radius of the circular path of movement of the said other end of the connectingl rod corresponding to the difference between the stroke of the piston and the'throw of at the endiofvits' stroke in either direc` the crank, and means forming a driving connection between the crank and the said means by which the connecting rod is coupled with the cross head, for imparting positive rotational movement of the said other end of the connecting rod through said circular path during the reciprocatory movement of the cross head.

JOHN HENRY TRAHIN 

